These are definitely the two busiest weeks of my entire year. Although I’m virtually inactive on Flickr and this blog at the moment, you can see my racing photos at the Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN) page on Facebook and in the newsletter itself.
Belmont Stakes 2009: Bird-Mania
Mine That Bird arrived at Belmont Park on Wednesday, June 3. According to his connections, he has been adjusting nicely to the new track. I saw him this morning and he looked physically and mentally fit and ready for tomorrow’s action.
Can’t get enough of Mine That Bird? Neither can Steve Haskin. Neither can Dick Jerardi. Here are the picks of other turf writers. Dana just wants to know how much you are spending.
And then you have the doubters.
So what do you think? Will he do it?
What about Mr. Hot Stuff?
Or Summer Bird?
Kentucky Derby 135: What a Ride!
I’ve been back in New Jersey for a few days now, but my head is still spinning from the amazing experiences I had in Kentucky. Rolex, the Derby, the Oaks, the farms, the Horse Park… it was an unforgettable adventure.
When I first arrived at Churchill Downs, I must admit I was underwhelmed. It was raining, I was lugging a lot of equipment, and my amazing experiences at Rolex were fresh in my mind (more on that soon!). I expected to gasp at the sight of the Twin Spires and marvel at the experience, but it was not until Oaks Day when I was shooting the races when it really hit me. The history, the tradition, the horseflesh. Rachel Alexandra in her epic run. Mine That Bird battling the field and winning by 8. And I had the best seat in the house. I’ll break the weeks down into bite-sized pieces and share them with the RNR Blog community.
I Want Revenge and Joe Talamo Win the 2009 Gotham Stakes
Saturday 3/7/2009
Cabin fever. Derby fever. Spring fever. Call it what you want. The gaggle of racing photographers had it in spades when they all flocked to Aqueduct for the first Saturday in March. The whole gang was present and accounted for and we shot the Aqueduct inner dirt with enthusiasm in our eyes and roses in our minds.
I Want Revenge and Jockeys star Joe Talamo won by over 8 lengths, thus capturing the imagination of many Bloggers and columnists. Captured a little gas money for me, too. I managed to hit the Gotham trifecta :^)
Did you watch the race? What did you think? Who is on the top of your Derby list?
Rock and Racehorses: Sarah K. Andrew 